Classical Spain
Classical Spain
Classical Spain
7 Days Starting and ending in Málaga, Spain
Visiting: Málaga, Ronda, Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Alhambra
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 25
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$1131 (USD) including Flights from the UKNB: Prices correct on 06-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Experience Andalucía’s magical fusion of Spanish and Moorish cultures as you discover Seville’s vibrant streets and conquistador heritage, Granada’s wondrous Alhambra and the dazzling Mezquita mosque in Córdoba – and much more. Andalucía is simply one of the most beautiful corners of Europe yet for many it remains relatively undiscovered. It’s a land where the excesses of the modern era seem not to have taken root and where travellers are genuinely welcomed. The food is a delight, with the area noted for its seafood and its famous drink, the fortified wine from Jerez we call sherry. Try a glass of fino, a very dry yet refreshing sherry, while nibbling tapas, that great Spanish titbit invention. The people are charming – always ready to help, with a friendly attitude towards their fellow man and a love of life so typical of Mediterranean people. So, for an inspirational blend of timeless countryside, iconic monuments, romantic and vivacious cities, fragrant flowers and orange blossom, wonderful art and superb cuisine, all set in a region that welcomes visitors as honoured guests, welcome to Andalucía.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Malaga
Location: Málaga
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive at the airport for your flight to Malaga. On arrival, we transfer to the four-star Ilunion Hacienda del Sol. This hotel is ideally situated in undulating countryside near the village of Mijas.
Day 2 : Ronda
Location: Ronda, Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we take a drive into the hills forming the beautiful backdrop to the coast and then arrive in Ronda, a city widely acknowledged as one of the most spectacular in Spain and which enjoys a setting so naturally dramatic it could be in a fairy tale. Built on a ridge and split by a most impressive gorge plunging down hundreds of feet, Ronda’s almost impregnable position meant it was one of the last bastions of Moorish power, only falling to the Christians in 1485. During the 18th century, the two halves of the town were joined by its iconic stone bridge, while another highlight is the palace that was once home to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, paymasters of Columbus. With lots of good restaurants and tapas bars, Ronda is a splendid spot to spend a few hours exploring its classic Moorish maze of cobbled alleys, full of whitewashed houses with window grilles. Much of the city’s appeal lies in its spectacular views and clear mountain air – Andalucía at its simple best. We continue our drive into the countryside beyond, which is both very scenic and quite isolated, so much so it is not unusual to see eagles and vultures soaring above or ibex roaming the mountains.
We then arrive in Seville and our hotel, the three-star superior Don Paco, where we stay for the next three nights.
Day 3 : Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Flamboyant, seductive, fascinating … Seville is all these and more. It is simply one of the most beautiful and charismatic cities in the world, with the serene River Guadalquivir flowing through its centre, a history spanning the centuries, a wealth of historic buildings, colourful back streets and peaceful parks.
It has its origins in Roman times – the Emperor Hadrian, builder of the famous wall, came from here. During the 8th century the Moors arrived, stayed for five centuries and left a unique legacy still in evidence today. However, if one event changed Seville, it was the discovery of the New World and, fittingly, Columbus is buried in the imposing cathedral. Immense wealth poured in from Spain’s new empire and catapulted Seville into one of the largest and richest cities in Europe.
Much of Seville was built during this time and it seems to have changed little in the last 500 years, with tiny twisting streets and hidden squares where the locals hide from the midday sun in high summer. Today, though, it possesses a vibrant, cultural spirit that is very special.
The city of Figaro, this is the setting for another classic opera, Carmen. It’s also the home of flamenco, the origins of which are lost in the aeons of time. In short, this is the essence of Spain.
After breakfast we have a tour of this beguiling city, during which we’ll see the awe-inspiring semi-circular Plaza de España, a fine example of Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles of Spanish architecture. You’ll also see the Tower of Gold, so named as it was used to store plunder from the Americas, and much more. During the afternoon you’re free to explore Seville at your leisure, during this time you could visit the fortified palace of the Alcázar or the world’s largest Gothic cathedral which is the final resting place of the great navigator, Christopher Columbus. Alternatively if you wish, you could take a cruise on one of the many river boats.
Day 4 : Free Day In Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we have a free day. There are the ‘musts’ to revisit if you wish, such as the Alcázar, the fortified palace of the Moors with a richness of decoration which will astound you, and the cathedral, but also take time to wander around the Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter of the medieval city, and the smart pedestrianised Calle Sierpes, a street full of beautiful shops selling high-quality leather goods. The Maria Luisa Park is a beautiful display of colour where you can relax and indulge in a spot of people-watching.
Day 5 : Cordoba
Location: Córdoba, Granada
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we leave Seville and head east to another of Andalucía’s classic cities, arriving in Córdoba for our guided tour. Córdoba was the ancient capital of the Moors and is principally famous for a single building – the Mezquita – the grandest and most beautiful mosque ever constructed in the Moorish world. Dominating the centre of the Old Town, which was once the home of a thriving Jewish community, it is a building of extraordinary power and mystery with an arcaded hall supported by over 850 columns made of semi-precious stones. One can only wonder at the architectural brilliance of the builders all those hundreds of years ago, while northern Europe was still immersed in the depths of the Dark Ages. Another highlight is the immense, well-preserved Roman bridge. Córdoba is a delightful place full of patios drenched in the colour of thousands of flowers – the Spanish seem to take so much pride decorating their homes.
We then continue our journey to arrive in the city of Granada, the last stronghold of the sultans during the Middle Ages and home to the Alhambra, the most spectacular gem of Moorish Andalucía. As we approach Granada, there can be no more proof of the diversity of this corner of southern Europe. We pass through some very arid countryside with a landscape of dried riverbeds, giving way to rolling olive groves. In the distance is the spectacular Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range in Spain. The landscape then becomes more fertile and picturesque, with ancient olive trees stretching off into the distance.
Our hotel for the next two nights is either the centrally located four-star Hotel Corona, in the heart of the city and within easy walking distance of the principal areas of interest, or the four-star Hotel Alixares, well located opposite the Alhambra. Both are fully air-conditioned and ideal for a comfortable stay.
Day 6 : Granda & The Alhambra
Location: Granada, Alhambra
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Granada has a naturally dramatic location, nestling against the backdrop of permanently snow-capped mountains soaring majestically to a height of 11,000 feet. It is the perfect setting for the most perfect of architectural wonders, the Alhambra. So individual in its setting, so rich in its history and so exquisite in its design, this iconic building was the high point in Moorish culture. It is not just a palace, though. Some of it is a fortress, and much is given over to formal gardens full of roses and fountains, giving an incredible impression of peace and tranquillity.
Today we visit the Alhambra, which for many people will be the highlight of the holiday, and you’ll also have time to explore the city as you wish. There is a myriad of twisting streets, the old Moorish quarter and the traditional gypsy area, all full of tiny unique shops, with seemingly every balcony sprouting flowers in a profusion of colour. There’s nothing better than taking a stroll through these streets, little changed in centuries, with pavements made of pebbles set in mortar and some so narrow that mules were the only form of transport. Granada also boasts some of the most distinctive old bars in Spain, many of them decorated with antique tiles, where taking a drink and a few tapas can be an excuse for a unique, authentically Andalucían experience.
Day 7 : Return Flight
Location: Málaga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Malaga airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Sole occupancy;rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement
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Accommodation
6 nights in 3-star superior to 4-star
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Meals
Daily breakfast
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Entrances to the Alhambra and Mezquita
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Local Taxes
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International Travel
Return flights
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Fully Guided
The services of a Riviera Tour Manager
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Entrance Fees
Entrances to the Alcazar or cathedral in Seville, which are approximately €12.
50 and €9 respectively and payable locally.
Please note that there are reduced entry prices for those aged 65 or more on presentation of a valid ID.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No. Not included are the entrances to the Alcazar or cathedral in Seville, which are approximately €12.50 and €9 respectively and payable locally. Please note that there are reduced entry prices for those aged 65 or more on presentation of a valid ID.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, return flights from the UK
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euros
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Friday - Thursday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
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Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Tuesday - Monday
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Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Saturday - Friday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Monday - Sunday
Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
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We look after you every step of the way.